Left to right: Katie Blundell with some of her ‘Fruity’ series; Lofty Dreams; Katie working on her current reduction woodcut.
Katie Blundell – THE JUNG AND THE SCULPTRESS Based at Clevedon’s Riverhaven Artland, Katie Blundell is at the heart of art in our region. Recently, JON RAWLINSON made the pilgrimage to this splendid sculpture park to chat with her and her father, Guy – nephew of Whit Blundell, a former mayor of Howick. Clevedon’s Katie Blundell is an impressive artist; following Carl Jung’s concept of the collective unconscious, it could also be said that she is merely the conduit through which impressive art is channelled. “In a way, that’s true – I’m as much a product of my work as my work is of me,” she says. “I have some idea of where I’m going when I start a piece but I feel the process will inform it. I think others relate to the thoughts and feelings that come across because they’re all based on human experience. I wear my heart on my sleeve, anyway, and that’s definitely so when I’m making art.” But, if Katie creates based on signals from a collective human psyche rather than personal experience, I must ask who gets paid when her work is sold?
“I see myself as a multimedia artist. The medium I reach for will be decided by the idea. I really love expressionism, abstract expressionism and Japanese woodcuts. I think those kinds of style are apparent,” she says. “I don’t have a fixed message; it’s all open to interpretation. Sometimes people tell me narratives they’ve drawn from my work which I never considered and I think ‘well, yeah, maybe it was that after all!’ It doesn’t really matter what type of reaction you’re getting as long as you’re getting a reaction.” Last year, Katie added to her extensive portfolio with her Stay Local series, mostly created during last year’s lockdowns.
“I do, obviously!” she laughs. In efforts to ham-fistedly sum up a complex theory one could (mis) quote the wise words of another great philosopher, Jiminy Cricket, to say Katie ‘lets her unconscious be her guide’. When it comes to her choice of medium, despite printmaking being the focus of her Masters degree, Katie does not play favourites, equally enjoying painting and sculpture. While making a habit of
22 | eastlife | april 2021
After a year or so, Katie returned to New Zealand where she studied teaching before taking up positions at Onehunga High School and, later, her alma mater, Diocesan. In 2014 she took a leap of faith to pursue art fulltime.
mixing up her media, there are some common stylistic aspects regarding the messages conveyed.
“The artworks are relatively uplifting and designed to raise spirits during a difficult time.” Katie grew up with a love of art, inspired both through school and on the home front. “When I was a kid, I loved Walt Disney and drew cartoons, which was one of my first introductions to art. I don’t do cartoons anymore but I guess you can see humour in my work. My mum [Sue Blundell]
Katie Blundell’s ‘Turned a corner’ limited edition reduction woodcut.
was a hairdresser but she was very creative, Dad is too, and my auntie Sue also went to Elam [School of Fine Arts], so art was always celebrated in my family,” she recalls. “My experiences in education [Clevedon Primary, Diocesan School for Girls and Elam] were also positive. I had a lot of supportive teachers who encouraged me and inspired me to travel and get into teaching.” After finishing her Bachelor of Fine Arts followed by a Masters degree, Katie worked as a tour manager for Contiki, an experience which definitely broadened her mind. “It was fantastic! I got to travel Europe while getting paid, exploring galleries and learning history. It was an invaluable experience.”
“It was a major step, quite the lifestyle change. I enjoyed teaching but pouring a lot of energy into helping students didn’t leave a lot in the tank for my own work. I’m really happy now, focusing on art. However, I still run workshops and mentor other artists, which is rewarding and inspiring; I learn from them too.” Although winning awards has never been her main aim, this enterprising creative has been well recognised, even reaching the finals of the prestigious Wallace Art Awards in 2019. “I totally cried!” she grins. “It was very fulfilling. I don’t set out to win, not especially, but I do have a competitive streak, they open up opportunities and you get to meet wonderful, inspiring people along the way.” Since her school days, Katie has exhibited regularly at a wide range of galleries. Her work is on permanent display at her own gallery, as well as the Art Industry gallery and Corner Kitchen and Bar in Clevedon. www.eastlife.co.nz
